Blacksburg Installed Solar Array on Transit Facility
The town secured a 25-year power purchase agreement to support its growing electric bus fleet.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Blacksburg has finalized the installation of a 1,469-panel solar array atop its transit facility to power its municipal bus fleet. The project follows a 25-year agreement with Secure Solar Futures that aims to lower energy costs.
Why it matters
The installation allows the town to lock in energy rates as it works to fully transition its transit fleet to electric power. This move capitalizes on available federal tax credits before they sunset.
The 866.71-kilowatt array is projected to save the town $2.2 million over the 25-year term of the agreement. Currently, 28 of the town's 53 buses operate as electric vehicles.
The players
Secure Solar Futures
This private renewable energy developer entered a 25-year power purchase agreement with the town of Blacksburg.
Baseline Solar
This company served as the installation contractor for the solar array project.
The details
The town leases the roof space to the developer for $1 per year while purchasing the generated power at a fixed rate. This infrastructure supports the transit system, which provided nearly five million rides in 2025.
Timeline
Nearly five million rides were provided by the transit system in 2025.
Installation is expected to be complete by Halloween 2026.
The system is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
The full electric bus fleet transition is planned for completion by 2032.
Roadmap
This project reflects a broader trend of municipalities integrating renewable energy infrastructure directly into public transit operations. It positions Blacksburg to manage long-term energy costs as the automotive industry shifts toward electric bus fleets.
Residents benefit from the projected $2.2 million in taxpayer savings generated over the life of the agreement. The shift to a fully electric bus fleet by 2032 aims to provide a quieter and more sustainable transit experience for local commuters.
The takeaway
Locking in fixed energy rates through long-term power purchase agreements offers municipalities a way to hedge against fluctuating utility costs. This model serves as an effective strategy for cities looking to fund fleet electrification projects.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to modernize transit at the Blacksburg Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSLS.
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